CE Strategy in the Electric Vehicle Batteries Industry

This study explores the transformative potential of circular economy (CE) principles in managing electric vehicle batteries (EVBs) to align with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). It highlights how companies in Europe, China, and Japan are innovating to address environmental challenges, resource scarcity, and economic sustainability. European firms like Northvolt, Umicore, and BASF focus on specialized strategies such as “Rethink,” “Repurpose,” and “Remanufacture,” leveraging advanced technologies to refine materials and upcycle discarded batteries. Their operations reflect a segmented value chain and regulatory-driven focus on compliance and renewable energy integration. Chinese companies, including BRUNP, NIO, and CATL, adopt vertically integrated approaches encompassing battery manufacturing, consumption, and recycling. Their efforts prioritize strategies like “Repair” and “Refurbish,” combining large-scale recycling infrastructure with innovative technologies like battery exchange stations and renewable energy integration. Japanese leaders Panasonic and Toyota implement hybrid approaches, blending vertical integration with collaborative frameworks. Panasonic emphasizes “Recycle” and “Repurpose” through resilient supply chains, while Toyota leads in “Repair” and “Refurbish” with its focus on hybrid vehicle batteries. The study underscores the need for collaboration, advanced technologies, and regulatory frameworks to realize CE objectives globally. By embracing 9R strategies, these firms exemplify how CE practices can revolutionize the automotive sector, fostering a sustainable, resource-efficient future.